Fleet replacement and vessel modernisation projects are continuing to transform ferry operations worldwide. From large-scale ro-pax vessels to high-speed electric craft and publicly funded lifeline ferries, recent developments reflect the industry’s steady transition towards lower emissions, greater operational resilience and renewed long-term investment in maritime transport. With major programmes progressing across multiple regions, the current order cycle continues to influence the direction of ferry operations worldwide.
The year opened with one of the most closely followed newbuild programmes moving into its final phase, as Incat Tasmania completed final commissioning work and sea trials of the battery-electric ferry China Zorrilla for South American operator Buquebús. The vessel, which is the largest fully electric ship ever constructed, has been completed and will be delivered to South America by heavy-lift vessel prior to entering commercial service.
Designed to carry more than 2,000 passengers and over 200 vehicles, the vessel is powered by what is the largest battery installation yet fitted to a commercial vessel, with an energy storage system exceeding 40 megawatt hours. Completion of trials activity has shifted attention toward delivery logistics, charging infrastructure readiness and route integration planning. China Zorrilla is intended for operation on the Argentina–Uruguay route, where short crossing distances and strong passenger demand support battery-electric deployment at scale.
Meanwhile, Incat Tasmania has also confirmed plans to build a third battery-electric high-speed catamaran for Danish operator Molslinjen. This order expands on the two vessels already under construction at the yard for the line’s Kattegat services in Denmark.
“There will be clear advantages to having the three ferries built in the same place, with valuable learning from the first to the last,” says Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen, adding that supplier stability has been central to the project. The three ferries will electrify Molslinjen’s Kattegat operation. The programme, valued at approximately DKK 3.5 billion ($541 million) including infrastructure, has also received DKK 180 million ($27.8 million) in government support. The first ferry is scheduled to enter Danish waters in late 2027, followed by vessels in summer 2028 and spring 2029.
Elsewhere, national fleet renewal programmes continue to gather momentum. In New Zealand, the Interislander replacement programme has progressed, with the government signing a firm contract with China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for two new rail-enabled hybrid ferries. Built at a fixed price of NZD 596 million ($563 million) the vessels are currently scheduled to enter Cook Strait service in 2029.
Each vessel will be 200 metres long and 28 metres wide, accommodating up to 1,530 passengers and 2,400 lane metres of vehicles, including full rail capability. The diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system will be supported by large battery banks, allowing engines to operate on conventional fuel or biofuel, while batteries can be recharged at sea or via shore power.
For improved manoeuvrability, the ferries are fitted with azimuth thrusters and powerful bow thrusters, enabling controlled sideways movement in winds up to 40 knots, significantly improving reliability in Cook Strait conditions. The vessels will be fully integrated with New Zealand’s rail network and will increase freight lane capacity by 44 per cent and passenger space by 63 per cent.
Buquebús’s China Zorrilla, the largest fully electric ship ever constructed, successfully completed sea trials near Incat Tasmania’s shipyard in December 2025 (Photo: Incat Tasmania)
Large-scale ro-pax investment has continued across the Mediterranean too. GSI has commenced production on the first of MSC/GNV’s new 237-metre ro-pax vessels, which is one of the largest ferry construction programmes currently underway globally.
Separately, GNV took delivery of GNV Aurora – its second LNG-powered ferry – from GSI in January 2026. The vessel is expected to enter service this year and is approximately 53,000gt, 218 metres long, 29.6 metres wide, with a service speed of 25 knots. GNV Aurora can accommodate more than 1,700 passengers in 426 cabins and carry up to 2,780 lane metres of cargo.
This concludes the first phase of GNV’s fleet renewal plan, which introduced four new-generation vessels. A second order has been confirmed for four larger LNG-powered units, scheduled for delivery from early 2028 at six-month intervals. These 237-metre vessels will be approximately 71,300gt and have capacity for up to 2,500 people with more than 500 cabins and 3,500 lane metres of cargo space.
OSK Design has unveiled a next-generation ro-pax concept developed for Cotunav and Tunisia Ferries, intended to strengthen connections between Tunisia and Barcelona in Spain, Genoa in Italy, and Marseille in France. The proposed 210-metre vessel is designed to operate at a service speed of 24 knots, accommodate approximately 3,000 passengers in cabins and offer capacity for around 730 cars and 170 trucks. The design incorporates a hybrid-electric propulsion plant based on dual-fuel diesel and methanol generator sets, supported by battery capacity for peak shaving, spinning reserve and zero-emission port operations. Cotunav is now expected to progress the project through a public tender.
TT-Line has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for the construction of a new Green Ro-Pax Ferry 2.0. The newbuild LNG-hybrid is expected to be approximately 240 metres in length and cater for around 1,000 passengers, while providing significant freight capacity for Baltic operations.
The vessel will combine LNG propulsion with hybrid energy systems, lowering emissions and improving operational efficiency compared with previous generations of tonnage. The contract reflects TT-Line’s continued investment in modern, fuel-efficient vessels as operators across Northern Europe focus on balancing environmental performance with freight and passenger capacity.
The Sicilian Region is also expected to exercise an option with Fincantieri for a second ro-pax ferry, following the ongoing construction of the 14,000gt Costanza I di Sicilia at its Palermo shipyard. Delivery is currently scheduled for 2026. The dual-fuel LNG vessel is designed to carry around 1,000 passengers and 200 cars and is intended for service linking Sicily with Lampedusa and Pantelleria in Italy.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne’s new ro-pax Isle of Islay has completed her delivery voyage to Scotland from the Cemre Shipyard in Turkey. Next in line is sister vessel Loch Indaal and, from same build programme, Claymore and Lochmor. The arrival marks a major milestone in the operator’s investment programme, increasing capacity on the Islay routes while improving comfort, efficiency and reliability.
The vessels incorporate hybrid propulsion technology and modern passenger facilities. Alongside ongoing progress toward delivery of Glen Rosa at the Ferguson Marine yard in Scotland, the new tonnage is expected to play a key role in strengthening fleet resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides network.
Public ferry procurement pipelines continue to expand in North America. Washington State Ferries has progressed evaluation of proposals for a further three newbuild ferries, building on its hybrid-electric fleet renewal programme. Further north, the State of Alaska has issued a tender for a replacement vessel for the veteran Tustumena, one of the longest-serving ships in the Alaska Marine Highway System fleet. The replacement programme is expected to focus on improving reliability while maintaining capability across Alaska’s challenging operating environment. In the Canadian market, Damen Shipyards Galati launched the ninth Island-class ferry for BC Ferries in November. The ship is part of an order for four vessels, which will join six Island-class ferries that Damen previously delivered in providing services along the British Columbian coast.
The latest Island-class vessels are being prepared to operate on electrical energy once shoreside infrastructure is in place in the future. Damen and BC Ferries have also taken a series of underwater radiated noise measurements, the results of which have gone into making the next generation of vessels quieter, to the benefit of marine mammals.
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